Andra Day, Michelle Williams, and Rockin’1000 Rise Up With UN Foundation for a Better Future

Coming together as a prolific duo, Grammy-winning artists Andra Day and Michelle Williams hit the stage during the 80th United Nations General Assembly for a performance of the acclaimed hit, “Rise Up.” Day and Williams joined musicians from 14 countries — brought together by Rockin’1000 — alongside pianist/composer Charlie Chan for the gathering of global leaders and dignitaries.

The United Nations Foundation and the Governments of Barbados, Indonesia, Jamaica, Liechtenstein, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, South Africa, and the United Kingdom cohosted the event, where countries reaffirmed their commitment to shaping a better future as the UN marks its 80th anniversary.

“We are honored that Andra, Michelle, Rockin’1000, Charlie Chan and this all-star lineup of musicians from around the world chose to share their time and talent with us. At a moment when we need to come together for humanity, ‘Rise Up’ carries a powerful message of hope, courage, and resolve,” said Ambassador Elizabeth Cousens, President and CEO of the United Nations Foundation.

Ten years since it was released in 2015, “Rise Up” was an anthemic addition to the evening, as diplomats engaged in conversation about a reimagined and revitalized UN. “Rise Up” has an RIAA quadruple-platinum certification and more than one billion streams.

“I hope that these words permeate. I hope that they are in every corner of our minds, in every decision that we make, because compassion and empathy are not a weakness, they are a power,” said Andra Day in a heartfelt onstage moment with Williams. “We just wanted to encourage you all – this song is from us dedicated to you all to continue the work.”

“‘Rise Up’ is just as relevant today as it was when Andra first released it. It shines light, it rallies strength, and it sparks joy,” said Michelle Williams formerly of celebrated group, Destiny’s Child and currently on Broadway in the hit musical, “Death Becomes Her.”

“Taking part in this unique moment at the United Nations is a true honor for us,” said Fabio Zaffagnini, founder of Rockin’1000. “Our journey started from a simple dream: to show that when people from different walks of life come together through music, they can create something bigger than themselves. Standing here, with musicians from around the world, we feel that same belief reflected in the mission of the United Nations, that unity, compassion, and collaboration can move humanity forward. For us, this performance is not just about music, it is about proving that harmony among people is possible, and that together we can build a better future.”

Emmy-winning director Michael Jurkovac, in association with musical director Venus Brown, curated, produced, and filmed the unforgettable performance at the UN’s Headquarters.

Media Contacts:

• UN Foundation:
  Megan Rabbitt ([email protected])
• Ms. Day:
  Phylicia Fant ([email protected])
• Ms. Williams:
  Yvette Noel Schure, Schure Media Group ([email protected])

About The UN Foundation
For over 25 years, the UN Foundation has built novel innovations and partnerships to support the United Nations and help solve global problems at scale. As an independent charitable organization, the Foundation was created to work closely with the United Nations to address humanity’s greatest challenges and drive global progress. Learn more at www.unfoundation.org.

Andra Day
Andra Day is an American Grammy-winning and Golden Globe-winning singer, songwriter, and actress known for her passion for social justice, community, faith and resilience. Her powerful, uplifting anthem “Rise Up” became a global success, earning her Grammy nominations and becoming an anthem for resilience and hope.

Michelle Williams
Michelle Williams is a Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter, author, actress, mental health advocate, entrepreneur, designer, television host, and member of one of the most successful recording groups of all time, Destiny’s Child. She has garnered widespread acclaim for her versatile talent, making significant contributions to both music and theater.

Rockin’1000
Rockin’1000—the Biggest Rock Band on Earth— is based on a simple idea: by bringing together thousands of people from different backgrounds to pick up their instruments and play in perfect sync. Their mission is aligned with the work of the United Nations in this way, to foster global unity and bring people together across cultures and borders.

Charlie Chan
Charlie Chan is a prolific pianist and composer from Australia who, in 2023, released 52 albums in a year. Charlie performed a work specially created for the UN Foundation event – an 80-bar piece called General Harmony, to mark the 80th UN General Assembly.

Shared Mission Focus:
The combination of artists Andra Day, Michelle Williams and Rockin’1000, and Charlie Chan performing together represents the power of cooperation of people from all backgrounds and what is possible when we work together in synchrony. The Member States represented along with the artists and the United Nations all share a belief in the power of bringing people together – whether it’s through music or global cooperation. All these partners know that amazing things happen when diverse voices unite for a common cause.